India CPI hits 3.93% in May, four-month high as food and jewellery prices reshape retail baskets

Retail inflation accelerated from 3.48% in April, with food at 4.78% and rural prints (4.25%) outpacing urban (3.53%). Silver jewellery surged 155%, gold/diamond ~41%, personal care 18.5%, while cars (-7.2%) and two-wheelers (-3.6%) deflated — signalling a barbell of premium discretionary heat and mass mobility softness.

— Filed Fri, 12 Jun, 2026, 18:10 IST · Source Forbes India · Updated

India's May retail inflation rose to 3.93%, a four-month high, driven by food, fuel and jewellery. Rural inflation outpaced urban; tomato, ginger and silver jewellery prices surged, while potatoes, cars and two-wheelers deflated, signaling shifting retail pricing pressures.

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